Traceability Files That Release a Detained Textile Container
Releasing detained textile containers requires an audited dossier pairing transaction certificates with mass balance scrap calculations and IRMS origin testing.
Delta 13c Analysis
Isotopic Measurement
Scientific testing of carbon isotopes provides a method for identifying the biological and geographic origins of organic materials. Performing delta 13c analysis involves measuring the ratio of carbon 13 to carbon 12 within a sample of fiber or fabric. This ratio varies based on the photosynthetic pathway used by the plant and the environmental stress levels during the growth cycle.
Carbon Ratio
Plants such as cotton or flax exhibit specific signatures that reflect the atmospheric conditions and local soil properties of their cultivation site. Through the use of delta 13c analysis, laboratories can distinguish between natural fibers grown in different climates or under varying irrigation levels. These results are compared against a database of known samples to pinpoint the source of the material with high precision.
Origin Verification
Traceability programs use these measurements to confirm that a shipment of organic cotton actually comes from the farm listed on the certificate of origin. Because delta 13c analysis detects the inherent chemical makeup of the fiber, it cannot be faked by changing the paperwork or swapping labels. This provides a high level of security for brands trying to avoid forced labor or environmental violations in specific regions of the world.
Adulteration Detection
Subtle differences in the isotopic signature also reveal when a high value fiber has been blended with a cheaper alternative.